Are You Standing in Your Own Way? | Break Free from Imposter Syndrome & Start Thinking Bigger

Are you ready to stop *playing small* and finally claim the life you *deserve*? In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we unpack the invisible barriers holding so many of us back—*imposter syndrome*, *perfectionism*, and the fear of being “too much.” If you've ever felt stuck, like you're waiting for permission to chase your dreams—this conversation is your wake-up call.

✨ We share the real, raw lessons from our year-long podcast journey—including the mindset shifts that helped us step into our power. From redefining success on *your own terms*, to rewiring your inner dialogue and creating the *right environment* for growth, this episode will inspire you to take bold, imperfect action—starting now.

🔥 Key Topics:
- How *imposter syndrome* quietly sabotages success
- Why *perfectionism* is a lie that delays your dreams
- The power of being “delusional” enough to believe in yourself
- How your *circle* influences your self-worth and ambition
- Why *you don’t need to be chosen*—you can choose *yourself*

🎯 Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or dreamer waiting for the "right moment," this episode will give you the clarity and courage to *start before you're ready*. Because real talk? The only thing standing between you and the life you want… is *you*.

👇 Drop a comment below: What’s the dream you’ve been putting off? Let’s hold each other accountable to THINK BIGGER.

#MindsetShift #ImposterSyndrome #SelfGrowth #PodcastMotivation #StartBeforeYoureReady #ThinkBigger #WomenInBusiness #PerfectionismTrap #ChooseYourself #LevelUp #MotivationForSuccess #ConfidenceBoost #EntrepreneurMindset #DreamBig

**Mental health isn't just a trend—it’s survival.**  
In this *deeply honest and heart-opening* episode, we pull back the curtain on our personal mental health journeys—what healing has looked like, what therapy has taught us (or still scares us), and why so many women of color are still silently carrying emotional weight they were never meant to hold alone.

Raised in environments where therapy was taboo or nonexistent, we reflect on what it means to break generational cycles and finally ask for help. One of us shares how therapy became a lifeline during a toxic relationship. The other is still navigating what it means to be "therapy-curious"—hesitant, yet yearning for peace. Sound familiar?

We cover:
- How to find the *right* therapist (yes, it’s like dating!)  
- The difference between therapy, coaching, and other healing resources  
- Why seasonal depression is real and valid  
- How trauma bonding keeps us stuck in painful patterns  
- And most importantly—why prioritizing mental wellness is the *ultimate act of self-love*

Whether you’re starting your healing journey or deep in the work, this episode is your reminder:  
👉 You don’t have to do it alone.  
👉 Your peace is worth fighting for.  
👉 Healing is hard—but you’re allowed to begin.

**If you’ve ever asked, “Where do I even start?”—this is for you.**

🎧 *Watch now and take the first step toward reclaiming your mind, your heart, and your joy.*  
#MentalHealthAwareness #TherapyForWomen #HealingJourney #SelfCare #EmotionalWellness #MentalWellness

Ready for a fresh start? Reinvention isn't just for New Year's resolutions—it's a powerful journey you can embark on at any moment, especially as you navigate your 30s. 

In this deeply reflective episode, we explore the transformative process of reinventing yourself and breaking free from outdated versions of who you once were. We dive into practical strategies like writing goodbye letters to your past self, visualizing your ideal future with stunning clarity, and making deliberate changes to your environment that support your evolution.

The beauty of reinvention lies in its flexibility. Whether you prefer Crystal's approach of gradual, organic change or Amanda's more structured visualization techniques, there's no single "right way" to transform. We share our personal reinvention goals—from learning tennis and swimming to revamping our wardrobes with quality investment pieces that reflect our evolving tastes.

Perhaps most importantly, we challenge the limiting belief that you can be "too old" for new beginnings. Your 30s aren't about settling—they're about claiming the life you truly want with confidence and purpose. As we discuss changing not just external factors but also consumption habits and digital environments, we offer a comprehensive roadmap for meaningful change.

What aspect of yourself are you ready to reinvent? Share your journey in the comments and join our community of people embracing new versions of themselves without apology or hesitation. The time for transformation is always now.

Celebrating a full year of podcasting feels surreal. What began as birthday week conversations has evolved into a journey of growth, consistency, and unexpected lessons that extend far beyond just hitting the record button.

Starting a podcast requires more than just a good microphone and something to say. It demands clarity about your angle, who you're speaking to, and what unique perspective you bring. As we reflect on naming our show "Elevators," we realize how perfectly it captures our mission – documenting our rise while helping others elevate alongside us. The power of finding the right niche cannot be overstated; it's what draws listeners in before you expand into the multidimensional conversations that reflect real life.

The technical aspects of podcasting – equipment choices, editing software, hosting platforms – can seem overwhelming, but we break down practical approaches for beginners. From leveraging the high-quality camera already in your phone to renting equipment before making major investments, there are smart ways to produce professional content without breaking the bank. And when it comes to editing, remember our golden rule: if you find yourself slightly bored while reviewing your content, cut it immediately. Your audience will thank you.

Perhaps our most valuable insight comes from understanding audience building. The people who support your podcast most enthusiastically might not be your closest friends or family. Instead, focus on creating consistent, quality content that resonates with strangers who become dedicated listeners. Engage with these developing communities through comments, respond to feedback, and maintain posting schedules they can rely on. As we often say, "Nobody wants to be on a ship that's docked – when that ship sails, everyone wants a cruise ticket."

Ready to start your podcast journey? The time will pass whether you take action or not. Why not make that time work for you?

What Really Happened Between Jess Hilarious & Loren Lorenzo? | Navigating Ego, Support & Survival in the Spotlight

When two powerful women walk into the same professional space, are they set up to collaborate—or compete?

In this deeply vulnerable and unfiltered episode, media hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booth unpack the viral tension between Jess Hilarious and Loren Lorenzo on The Breakfast Club, offering a fresh, honest take that goes beyond surface-level headlines. With years of experience in television, radio, and digital media, they reveal the emotional complexity of what happens behind the scenes when women in media are expected to balance sisterhood with survival.

From postpartum struggles to the silent pain of being replaced, from checking your ego at the door to understanding the importance of identity outside of work—this episode is a necessary listen for anyone navigating high-pressure, male-dominated industries. As Krystal says,

“If one day you're supporting someone and the next day you're competing with them... it was never support in the first place.”

This conversation is filled with real-life stories, career-shaping lessons, and a message rooted in spiritual confidence: what’s for you will always be for you.

You’ll walk away with:

• The truth about maternity leave and mental health in the workplace
• The importance of multiple income streams as a creative or host
• Why genuine collaboration beats silent competition every time
• How to advocate for yourself while lifting other women up

Whether you’ve been the one overlooked, the one filling in, or the one trying to make space for both success and sisterhood, this episode speaks directly to you.

Listen now to shift your mindset and step fully into your power.

#JessHilarious #LorenLorenzo #BreakfastClub #KrystalVega #AmandaBooth #ElevatorsPodcast #WomenInMedia #PostpartumAwareness #WorkplaceDynamics #FemaleEmpowerment #SupportNotCompetition #EgoCheck #CollaborationOverCompetition #MultipleIncomeStreams #WomenSupportingWomen

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Elevator's Podcast

01:43: Breakfast Club Drama: Jess vs Lauren

05:17: Competing vs Supporting Women at Work

08:45: Business is Business: Managing Expectations

14:21: Maternity Leave and Workplace Challenges

19:30: Respecting Boundaries and Checking Ego

25:35: Final Thoughts on Growth and Elevation

In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle Organics, shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned on her entrepreneurial journey. From bootstrapping her company and surviving tough financial challenges to making history as a Black female founder maintaining majority ownership after partnering with private equity, Monique's story is all about resilience, faith, and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming backlash, balancing family and business, building with her husband, and the importance of mentorship, discernment, and abundance. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is filled with gems you don’t want to miss!

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Lessons in Dark Times and the Cost of Growth
2:00 - The Retail Struggles No One Talks About
4:15 - From a $2 Million Hole to Major Growth
7:25 - Getting into the Right Rooms and Building Community
10:00 - Choosing the Right Opportunities and Saying No
12:36 - Selling the Company: Excitement, Faith, and Guidance
16:17 - Handling Backlash and Trusting God’s Plan
22:42 - Staying Grounded and Keeping Real People Close
29:23 - Building an Empire with Your Partner
39:05 - Monique’s Top Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Elevators Podcast, hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booze sit down with the visionary founder of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez. Monique shares her incredible journey from being a nurse to building a multi-million dollar beauty empire that now spans 90+ countries and 100,000+ stores.

She reveals the power of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship, including how she manifested her acquisition by P&G, the struggles she faced, and the wisdom she’s gained from her experiences. From overcoming personal losses to navigating business challenges, Monique opens up about what it takes to build a successful brand while staying true to her purpose.


00:00: Introduction
01:49 - Meet Monique Rodriguez: Founder of Mielle Organics
02:48 - The Power of Friendships & Community
06:34 - Monique’s Journey: From Nursing to CEO
11:57 - Overcoming Hardships & Personal Loss
17:06 - Building A Business: The Right Team & Investments
22:02 - Lessons Learned: Failed Ventures Before Mielle
29:18 - Defining Success: The Moment She Knew She Made It
33:08 - Dark Times & Business Challenges

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ultimate mental spring cleaning – from clearing out mental clutter and shedding dead weight to breaking free from overthinking and setting healthy boundaries. We're sharing real talk about relationships, spirituality, and protecting your peace while keeping it all the way authentic. Ready to elevate your mindset, cut off what no longer serves you, and step into your best self? Tune in, grab your journal, and let’s clear the mental fog together. 🌿✨

💬 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay on this journey of elevation with us!


CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro
02:19 – Podcasting is Therapy
03:17 – Mental Spring Cleaning: Time to Declutter Your Mind
04:10 – Overthinking 101: How to Stop the Spiral and Protect Your Joy
10:57 – The Truth About Boundaries: Are We Setting Too Many?
19:03 – Letting Go of Toxic Relationships and Dead Weight
29:39 – Finding Yourself Again: Stop Losing You in Relationships
33:47 – Digital Declutter: Why Your Social Media Needs Spring Cleaning Too
39:16 – Spring Cleaning Your Spirit: The Power of Daily Faith and Intentionality

Join hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booz as they dive into the peaks and valleys of life's journey. From relationships and entrepreneurship to friendships and the sizzling topics on social media—all through the lens of modern womanhood. Tune in for real conversations, heartfelt advice, and the motivation to rise above the challenges. Don't just ride the elevator—let's elevate together!


*CHAPTERS*
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Our Words for the Year: Consistency and Discipline
3:01 - Social Media's Impact on Self-Image
6:01 - The Temptation of Cosmetic Enhancements Discussed
10:00 - The Realities of Content Creation and Social Media Evolution
12:00 - Handling the Downsides of Social Media Exposure
19:45 - Next Steps: Finding the Right Therapist and Self-Growth Through Swimming